Caleb's Story

Caleb was a kindhearted, hard-working, 18-year-old, High School graduate ready to embark on the journey of adulthood. Talking to his friends, every one of them would say he was always there for you. He was such a reliable and caring person. Never hesitated to offer help as best as he could. As his schooling was coming to a close, he took dual enrollment in the culinary program at Central Arizona College for his senior year of high school. Then later went on to graduate in May of 2022. His future looked bright, full of opportunities that come in the life of a new graduate but to everyone's paralyzing dismay, that life had suddenly and horrifically ended.

On September 10th, 2022, Caleb Rodriguez was involved in an incredibly tragic car accident and never came home. No amount or kind of words can justify the hole left by his untimely departure. That night, family, friends, and loved ones gathered in a memorial, with their candles lit, for such a bright light as Caleb was. 

As a culinary program, we get to know our students on a deeper level due to the nature of the education. Spending long hours cooking in the kitchen, running events, and the very nature of building a team of culinarians. These aspects make the environment more than just a class. We become family.

A culinary family member was lost that day, and in honor of him, we want to help the next generation of culinary students that may be in less fortunate circumstances. By donating to the scholarship fund, a student could be granted the opportunity to buy the books needed that would help take them into the future of becoming the world's next best chef. Another future student might be prompted to start their own business one day by the motivation a new uniform sparks. We plan to help students with their school finances through the potential freedoms this scholarship has to grant.

Thank you for your kind generosity.